Book deposit box

ABSTRACT

A deposit or safekeeping box in the shape of a book useful for storing mementos such as note cards or slips of paper, photographs, autographs, cards, tickets, stamps, coins and other collectible items. The box has a flat rectangular case support structure and an internal clam shell box structure. The box has sufficient lateral stability to stand upright when placed on a piece of furniture such as a desk or bookshelf where it is readily accessible.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a deposit or safekeeping box in the shape of a book that is useful for storing mementos such as note cards or slips of paper containing a writing or request, photographs, cards, tickets, stamps, coins, autographs or other collectible items.

[0002] Conventional photo and memorabilia albums are often constructed in a manner similar to a book. The album typically comprises a plurality of pages upon which photographs or other items are mounted. The pages are bound together or otherwise secured at a common binding edge between the front and back covers, which are joined together by a spine. The binding edges of the pages are secured at the spine.

[0003] If one attempts to stand a conventional album upright resting on the bottom edges of the front and back covers, the album is likely to fall over since the front and back covers are normally too close together to provide sufficient lateral stability for the album to stand upright. On the other hand, if one attempts to provide the necessary lateral stability by spreading the outside edges of the front and back covers apart from each other, the album may still be unstable since the outside edges of the pages are then unsupported and tend to buckle. The weight of the pages pulling against the spine of the album may cause the album to collapse by falling in a forward direction.

[0004] Various types of reclosable containers are used for packaging consumer articles. One common type of package is known as the “clam shell” box. “Clam shells” generally include a rear base and a front cover that are hinged together, and mating skirts around the cover and base which join together when the front cover is closed over the rear base. Expensive clam shell boxes have been used to store loose papers, photographs and valuable items. Such boxes tend to be put away in desk drawers or closets, and the contents are often not organized or readily accessible.

[0005] Deposit or safekeeping boxes for storing or accumulating items for a period of time are also available. Such boxes may contain an opening such as a slot for receiving items deposited into the otherwise closed box. These boxes may be used as a lock-box, safekeeping box or a bank for storing items that are not intended to be easily accessible. “God Boxes” for receiving a card or slip of paper containing a note, prayer or request are also available.

[0006] While various clam shell boxes and deposit or safekeeping boxes have been used to store mementos, there is a continuing need for an attractive deposit box in the form of a book suitable for storing items not intended to be easily accessible, which box has sufficient lateral stability to stand upright when placed on a piece of furniture such as a desk or bookshelf where it is readily accessible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a book deposit box comprising:

[0008] (a) a flat rectangular case support structure having opposing, mutually parallel, laterally extending edges, said case support structure being folded longitudinally to form a plurality of stiff panels joined to each other in articulated fashion by linear hinge connections that extend between said opposing laterally extending edges, wherein said plurality of panels comprise a pair of cover panels disposed on opposing sides of a central spine, and

[0009] (b) an internal clam shell box structure having mating top, side and bottom flanges affixed perpendicular to said case support structure, said side flanges being located near the distal longitudinal edges of the case support structure and remote from the central spine, wherein the inner portion of the clam shell box structure further comprises (1) a side flange affixed perpendicular to the case support structure near the central spine, said side flange also being affixed to the adjacent top and bottom flanges, and (2) a panel affixed perpendicular to the top, side and bottom flanges of the inner portion of the clam shell box structure, thereby covering said flanges and forming an enclosed box, wherein said enclosed box has at least one opening therein for receiving items to be deposited in the box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a book deposit box according to the invention standing upright and fully closed.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the book deposit box of FIG. 1 shown in a fully open condition.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative book deposit box according to the invention shown in a fully open condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The book deposit box of the present invention comprises a case support structure having front and back cover panels and a central spine, and an internal clam shell box structure having mating top, side and bottom flanges and a panel covering the flanges on the inner portion of the clam shell box structure thereby forming an enclosed box that has at least one opening therein for receiving items to be deposited in the box. The deposit box is useful for storage of mementos or collectible items such as photographs, autographs, cards, tickets, stamps, coins, note cards and slips of paper containing a writing or request, and has the appearance of an attractive, freestanding book that has sufficient lateral stability to stand upright. The box may thus be placed on a piece of furniture such as a desk, shelf, buffet, bookshelf or cabinet where it is readily accessible to the user.

[0014]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a book deposit box 10 constructed according to the present invention. Box 10 is comprised of a case support structure 12 having an elongated, rectangular shape, as best shown in FIG. 2 when case 12 is in a fully open condition. As shown in FIG. 1, case 12 has mutually parallel, laterally extending top and bottom edges 14 and 16 respectively, longitudinally extending front and back edges 17 and 18 respectively (which typically also are, but need not be, mutually parallel, and also need not be linear, e.g., they may be curved), a longitudinally extending central spine 20, and a pair of generally flat, stiff, rectangular-shaped cover panels 22 and 24. Panels 22 and 24 are delineated from spine 20 by longitudinally extending hinged connections 26 and 28.

[0015] Case 12 may be constructed utilizing thin sheets of paper, plastic, fabric, leather, wood, or metal, or combinations thereof, to form or encapsulate therewithin flat, rectangular sections, for example core sections, that provide a certain degree of rigidity to cover panels 22 and 24, and preferably to spine 20. Spine 20 may also be made of a more flexible material, or it may not contain the core section that provides rigidity. The core sections may be formed of any suitable material such as fiberboard or a stiff sheet of plastic to provide the desired rigidity. Case 12 is preferably constructed of thin sheets of paper, plastic, fabric or leather, or combinations thereof.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, case 12 is divided by spine 20 that extends laterally between cover panels 22 and 24. The longitudinal hinged connections 26 and 28 delineate spine 20 from adjoining cover panels 22 and 24. Cover panels 22 and 24 are thereby located one on each side of spine 20.

[0017] As also shown in FIG. 2, box 10 further comprises left clam shell structure 30 and right clam shell structure 32 which, when case 12 is fully closed, form a clam shell box. Left clam shell 30 has a base 34, top flange 36, side flange 38, and bottom flange 40. Right clam shell 32 has a corresponding base 42, top flange 44, side flange 46, and bottom flange 48. Right clam shell 32 also has a side flange 50 affixed perpendicular to case support structure 12 near central spine 20. Side flange 50 is also affixed to top flange 44 and bottom flange 48. Right clam shell 32 also has a panel 52 affixed perpendicular to and covering flanges 44, 46, 48 and 50, thereby forming an enclosed box for storing items deposited therein.

[0018] The enclosed box has a slot opening 56 therein for receiving items to be deposited in the box. The slot opening 56 should be large enough to receive the items being deposited, but preferably is not so large that the items can readily be removed with fingers or tools, or by shaking the box. The slot opening 56 is preferably rectangular in shape, for example from about 1 to about 10 mm in width and from about 20 to about 100 mm in length. The slot opening 56 is preferably located in the panel 52 covering the top, bottom and side flanges of the clam shell structure, and is preferably centered and near the top thereof. Alternatively, the slot opening may be located in the top flange 44 or in side flanges 46 and 50.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, left clam shell 30 may also comprise a panel 58 for holding items such as paper, a notepad or cards, and a pen or pencil, or combinations thereof, that can be used for writing a note, prayer or request to be deposited in the enclosed box. Panel 58 is affixed to base 34 along its longitudinal and bottom edges, but is open along its top edge 54, thereby forming a pocket that can securely hold the desired items.

[0020] Left clam shell 30 and right clam shell 32, and their component base, flange and panel structures, may be constructed utilizing thin sheets of paper, plastic, fabric, leather, wood, or metal, or combinations thereof, to form or encapsulate therewithin flat, rectangular sections, for example core sections, that provide a certain degree of rigidity to clam shells 30 and 32, the enclosed box, and to the clam shell box when case 12 is closed. The core sections may be formed of any suitable material such as fiberboard or a stiff sheet of plastic, and typically are formed of the same material as the core sections of cover panels 22 and 24 and spine 20. Left clam shell 30 and right clam shell 32 are preferably constructed using thin sheets of paper, plastic, fabric or leather, or combinations thereof.

[0021] Left clam shell 30 and right clam shell 32 may be assembled by die-cutting and scoring fiberboard sheets, which are then formed and covered with the desired paper, plastic, fabric or leather material. This may be done by hand or by using a machine automated process. Once assembled, left clam shell 30 and right clam shell 32 are affixed to case 12 using, for example, glue, rivets, grommets, staples, adhesive tape, or other suitable materials and methods.

[0022] When case 12 is in a fully closed position, left clam shell 30 and right clam shell 32 fit together to form a clam shell box so that box 10 has the appearance of a book. As shown in FIG. 2, right clam shell 32 forms the inner portion of the clam shell box structure, and comprises the enclosed box. The enclosed box is thus on the right side when book deposit box 10 is opened. Alternatively, left clam shell 30 may comprise the enclosed box, and fit within right clam shell structure 32 when case 12 is closed. In one embodiment, the dimensions of left clam shell 30, including base 34, top flange 36, side flange 38, and bottom flange 40, are slightly larger (for example, about 0.5 to about 2 mm larger) than those of right clam shell 32, including base 42, flanges 44, 46, 48 and 50, and panel 52, so that left clam shell 30 fits snuggly over right clam shell 32 when case 12 is fully closed. This provides improved lateral stability so that box 10 remains securely closed and is able to stand upright on a shelf or flat surface, even when it contains a large number of items stored in the enclosed box. Alternatively, when left clam shell 30 comprises the enclosed box, the dimensions of left clam shell 30 are slightly less than those of right clam shell 32 so that left clam shell 30 fits snuggly within right clam shell 32 when case 12 is closed.

[0023] Typically, the width of flanges 36, 38, 40, 44, 46, 48 and 50 (as measured perpendicular to base 34 and base 42), is slightly less (for example, about 5 to 8 mm less) than the width of spine 20. In a preferred embodiment, the length and width of flanges 44, 46, 48 and 50 are slightly less than the length and width of flanges 36, 38 and 40, which are slightly less than the length and width of spine 20, respectively.

[0024]FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative book deposit box of the present invention in which the right clam shell structure 32 comprises an enclosed box having more than one opening for receiving items to be deposited in the box. In FIG. 3, the enclosed box has slot opening 60 and slot opening 62, which are joined together in the shape of a cross. As also shown in FIG. 3, left clam shell 30 comprises a panel 64, affixed to base 34 along its longitudinal and bottom edges but open along its top edge 66, for holding items such as paper, a notepad or cards, and a pen or pencil, or combinations thereof, that can be used for writing a note, prayer or request to be deposited in the enclosed box.

[0025] The foregoing invention has been described in terms of various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed structures without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. The specification and examples are exemplary only, while the true scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A book deposit box comprising: (a) a flat rectangular case support structure having opposing, mutually parallel, laterally extending edges, said case support structure being folded longitudinally to form a plurality of stiff panels joined to each other in articulated fashion by linear hinge connections that extend between said opposing laterally extending edges, wherein said plurality of panels comprise a pair of cover panels disposed on opposing sides of a central spine, and (b) an internal clam shell box structure having mating top, side and bottom flanges affixed perpendicular to said case support structure, said side flanges being located near the distal longitudinal edges of the case support structure and remote from the central spine, wherein the inner portion of the clam shell box structure further comprises (1) a side flange affixed perpendicular to the case support structure near the central spine, said side flange also being affixed to the adjacent top and bottom flanges, and (2) a panel affixed perpendicular to the top, side and bottom flanges of the inner portion of the clam shell box structure, thereby covering said flanges and forming an enclosed box, wherein said enclosed box has at least one opening therein for receiving items to be deposited in the box.
 2. The box of claim 1 wherein the right side of the clam shell box structure comprises the enclosed box.
 3. The box of claim 2 wherein the enclosed box has at least one slot opening therein for receiving items to be deposited in the box.
 4. The box of claim 3 wherein the slot opening is located in the panel affixed perpendicular to the top, side and bottom flanges of the enclosed box.
 5. The box of claim 4 wherein the slot opening is rectangular in shape.
 6. The box of claim 4 wherein the slot opening is in the shape of a cross.
 7. The box of claim 4 wherein the width of the mating top, side, and bottom flanges is less than the width of the central spine.
 8. The box of claim 1 wherein the opening is located in the panel affixed perpendicular to the top, side and bottom flanges of the enclosed box.
 9. The box of claim 8 wherein the opening is a slot opening that is rectangular in shape.
 10. The box of claim 9 wherein the opening is from about 1 to about 10 mm in width and from about 20 to about 100 mm in length.
 11. The box of claim 10 wherein the width of the mating top, side, and bottom flanges is less than the width of the central spine.
 12. The box of claim 1 wherein the pair of cover panels and the central spine are constructed using thin sheets of paper, plastic, fabric or leather, or combinations thereof, to encapsulate therewithin flat, rectangular core sections that provide rigidity to the cover panels and the spine.
 13. The box of claim 12 wherein the mating top, side and bottom flanges of the clam shell box structure are constructed using thin sheets of paper, plastic, fabric or leather, or combinations thereof, to encapsulate therewithin flat, rectangular core sections that provide rigidity to the flanges.
 14. The box of claim 13 wherein the core sections are formed of fiberboard.
 15. The box of claim 14 wherein the panel affixed perpendicular to the top, side and bottom flanges of the inner portion of the clam shell box structure is constructed using thin sheets of paper, plastic, fabric or leather, or combinations thereof.
 16. The box of claim 15 wherein the right side of the clam shell box structure comprises the enclosed box.
 17. The box of claim 16 wherein the enclosed box has at least one slot opening located in the panel affixed perpendicular to the top, side and bottom flanges of the enclosed box.
 18. The box of claim 17 wherein the width of the mating top, side, and bottom flanges is less than the width of the central spine.
 19. A book deposit box comprising: (a) a flat rectangular case support structure having opposing, mutually parallel, laterally extending edges, said case support structure being folded longitudinally to form a plurality of stiff panels joined to each other in articulated fashion by linear hinge connections that extend between said opposing laterally extending edges, wherein said plurality of panels comprise a pair of cover panels disposed on opposing sides of a central spine, and (b) an internal clam shell box structure having mating top, side and bottom flanges affixed perpendicular to said case support structure, said side flanges being located near the distal longitudinal edges of the case support structure and remote from the central spine, wherein the inner portion of the clam shell box structure further comprises (1) a side flange affixed perpendicular to the case support structure near the central spine, said side flange also being affixed to the adjacent top and bottom flanges, and (2) a panel affixed perpendicular to the top, side and bottom flanges of the inner portion of the clam shell box structure, thereby covering said flanges and forming an enclosed box, wherein said enclosed box has at least one opening therein for receiving items to be deposited in the box, said opening being located in the panel affixed perpendicular to the top, side and bottom flanges of the enclosed box.
 20. The box of claim 19 wherein the right side of the clam shell box structure comprises the enclosed box. 